unintended consequences

USAGE SUMMARY

'unintended consequences' is a correct phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to the unforeseen outcomes that occur as a result of an action or decision. For example: The government introduced a new tax, but they did not anticipate the unintended consequences it caused, such as rising inflation and an increase in unemployment.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Unintended consequences abound.

The Economist

The unintended consequences.

The New Yorker

Unintended consequences can follow.

Independent

Unintended consequences are huge".

The New Yorker

How's that for unintended consequences?

The Economist

That could have unintended consequences.

The New York Times

That provision screams unintended consequences.

The New York Times

This brought some unintended consequences.

The New York Times - Health

The law of unintended consequences!

The New York Times

The unintended consequences come later.

The New York Times

It always yields unintended consequences.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing complex systems or policies, explicitly consider and address potential "unintended consequences" to demonstrate thoroughness and foresight.

Common error

Avoid assuming that actions will have only their intended effects. Always consider potential secondary or unexpected outcomes.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unintended consequences" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies outcomes that were not planned or predicted. As Ludwig suggests, it is a common phrase in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "unintended consequences" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe unforeseen outcomes of actions, as confirmed by Ludwig. It’s frequently used in news, business, and scientific contexts, highlighting the unpredictable nature of complex systems. When writing, remember to consider this concept to demonstrate a thorough understanding of potential impacts. Avoid assuming actions will have only their intended effects. Alternative phrases, such as "unforeseen repercussions" or "unexpected outcomes", can be used to add variety and nuance to your writing. By acknowledging and addressing "unintended consequences", you demonstrate foresight and critical thinking in your communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unforeseen repercussions

Emphasizes the unexpected and often negative impact of an action.

unexpected outcomes

Highlights the surprise element of the results.

unplanned side effects

Focuses on the secondary, unintended results.

unanticipated fallout

Implies negative consequences that spread from an initial action.

collateral damage

Suggests harm or negative effects beyond the intended target or scope.

uncalculated risks

Highlights the potential for unforeseen problems due to inadequate planning.

indirect effects

Focuses on the roundabout and often overlooked results.

knock-on effects

Describes a chain reaction of unintended results.

byproducts of actions

Implies results that are produced alongside the primary goal.

secondary impacts

Focuses on effects that arise after and as a result of a primary action.

FAQs

How can I use "unintended consequences" in a sentence?

You can use "unintended consequences" to describe unexpected outcomes resulting from an action. For example, "The new policy had "unforeseen repercussions" and created more problems than it solved."

What are some alternatives to "unintended consequences"?

Alternatives include "unforeseen repercussions", "unexpected outcomes", or "unplanned side effects". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Are "unintended consequences" always negative?

While often used to describe negative outcomes, "unintended consequences" can also be positive or neutral. The key is that they were not the initially intended or predicted results.

What's the difference between "unintended consequences" and "intended consequences"?

"Intended consequences" are the planned and expected results of an action. "Unintended consequences", on the other hand, are the results that were not foreseen or planned.